What insurance does a dog groomer need?
Not all professions face the same risks. Below is a breakdown of every coverage type relevant to dog groomers — what each one covers, whether it's required, and what you should expect to pay in 2026.
Pet Care Liability InsuranceRequired
$25–$60/mo
Specialized coverage for animal care businesses. Covers pet injuries, escapes, and bites.
General LiabilityRequired
$20–$50/mo
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage at your grooming location.
Care, Custody & Control
$15–$35/mo
Specifically covers pets that are injured, escape, or die while in your care.
Business Property
$15–$30/mo
Covers your grooming tables, tubs, dryers, clippers, and salon furniture.
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Top risks for dog groomers
- Dog bite to groomer or bystander
- Pet injury during grooming
- Customer property damage
- Pet escape or death in care
- Fire or break-in at salon
How much does insurance cost?
Most dog groomers pay $40–$120/month for a complete coverage package. Your exact cost depends on your state, annual revenue, whether you have employees, your claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What if a dog dies in my care?
Standard general liability may not cover pet death. You need a care, custody, and control endorsement or a specialty pet care policy.
Do I need insurance for mobile grooming?
Yes — you'll need both business liability coverage AND commercial auto insurance for your grooming van.
What if I groom from home?
Home-based grooming businesses are typically not covered by homeowner's insurance for business-related incidents.
How to get the best rate
The fastest way to find the lowest rate is to compare multiple carriers side by side. Most dog groomers can get quotes from 3–5 insurers in under 10 minutes and receive their certificate of insurance the same day.